Broadcom released a software suite for monitoring the performance of switches based in its StrataXGS Trident and Tomahawk silicon.
The new Broadcom BroadView software delivers detailed network analytics directly from the switching silicon, enabling operators to optimize network performance across diverse hardware platforms and network operating systems. Broadcom said its new software tool offers a common way for network telemetry to collected from multivendor switches in data centers. The idea is to offer a platform-agnostic application programming interface (API) and leverage open-source reference controller implementations to give operators deeper visibility into their cloud networks while protecting their investment in existing applications.
Broadcom is working with multiple equipment vendors and third-party analytic tool providers. It is also working with developers on SDN controllers and orchestrations platforms such as OpenStack. Supporters so far include Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, Big Switch, China Mobile, Cumulus Networks, HP Networking, InMon, Juniper Networks, Midokura, Pica8, PLUMgrid, Pluribus, Xena Networks and others.
“The rapid innovations in software-defined networking (SDN) instrumentation call for a standardized interface to the switches that comprise the network,” said Nick Kucharewski, Broadcom Vice President, Network Switch Marketing. “With an open standard API supported on the most pervasive switch silicon portfolio, Broadcom has established a platform that will enable an open ecosystem of network visibility applications running on a wide range of network equipment.”
Some highlights
- Leverages unique silicon instrumentation capabilities supported by Trident2 and Tomahawk silicon families
- Threshold based monitoring, buffer statistics tracking and triggers for proactive monitoring and scalability
- Advanced packet tracing tools to improve visibility into traffic flows
- Trouble shooting tools to facilitate easier mapping of overlay flows with underlay links
- Aggregation group resolution to ensure optimal utilization of group members and avoid hash polarization
- Aggregated and abstracted counters as needed by the application
- Open source modular agent with easier customization for adoption in various products and platforms
Broadcom’s BroadView Instrumentation Software Suite is available on Broadcom GitHub.
